Hydatidiform mole in Tuzla Canton

AbstractAim Hydatidiform mole is a rare pregnancy disorder, with wide variety of reported incidence. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of hydatidiform moles (HM) in Tuzla Canton, specifically partial (PHM) and complete (CHM) forms.Material and methods All cases of HM that have been diagnosed at the University Clinical Center, Tuzla, between January 2011 and December 2015 were registered. The overall incidence of HM, as well as the incidence of PHM and CHM was calculated using the Tuzla Canton's live birth rate during the study period. A second review of tissue slides and p57 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to determine the validity of the criteria for the diagnosis and distinction of the molar specimens. Results There have been 256 cases of HM, 243 cases of PHM, 12 cases of CHM, and one case of unspecified HM. The average incidence of PHM was estimated at 11.03/1,000 and CHM at 0.54/1,000 live births. A second pathologist review revealed one PHM as a non-molar specimen, confirmed all CHM and identified an unknown HM as a PHM. Out of the 50 randomly chosen samples of PHM, p57 expression confirmed the diagnosis in 48 cases, disclosed one case as unrecognized CHM, and one sample showed discordant staining. IHC staining for p57 approved the diagnosis for all cases of CHM.Conclusion: HM incidence reporting remains a challenge due to the study design. p57 immunohistochemistry confirmed the strong validity of histopathological criteria in the diagnosis of CHM.